An audio tape recorded before the slaying of rapper Busta Rhymes' bodyguard has surfaced and is reportedly being offered to the media for $50,000.
The 53-minute tape has not been given to police or prosecutors.
The New York Daily News reported that the tape includes the argument that set off the shooting of Israel Ramirez, as well as the voice of the suspected killer, who is believed to have called Rhymes a "b***h."
In addition, a transcript of the tape appears to confirm that G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo was a central figure in the argument.
According to a source familiar with the tape, the fight resulted when G-Unit members were excluded from an onstage lineup at the video shoot.
The source further stated that Rhymes appeared to be playing peacemaker on the tape during the argument and that the voice of a third man, whose identity is not clear, is believed to be the shooter. On the recording, that man is heard calling another man, apparently Rhymes, a b***h, according to the transcript.
Although the fatal shots aren't heard on the tape since the argument moved outside the studio, the source told the Daily News that the reaction afterwards was included. "You can hear screaming and the chaos and the 911 call," the source said.
Brooklyn district attorney spokesman Jerry Schmetterer hopes whoever possesses the tape or video "would cooperate with authorities, especially if it provides evidence in this case.
"It's totally irresponsible of this person to withhold what could be a vital piece of evidence in an active homicide investigation," added an NYPD spokesman who spoke to the Daily News yesterday (Feb. 23).
Ramirez died Feb. 5 during the filming of the remix to Rhymes' single "Touch It." No one has been charged in the slaying.
Rhymes and others have garnered criticism from NYPD commissioner Raymond Kelly for remaining mum on the details surrounding the shooting.
Witnesses could be called to testify in front of a grand jury or face contempt charges.
Original Information From AHH.
